Ricci Rivero's Journey to the 2023 PBA Draft: What to Expect From the Rising Star
I remember watching Ricci Rivero during his UAAP days and thinking, "This kid's got that special something." Now here we are in 2023, with the PBA Draft just around the corner, and everyone's wondering what to expect from this rising star. Let me tell you, having followed Philippine basketball for over a decade, Rivero's journey to this moment has been anything but ordinary. There's a certain electricity when a player of his caliber enters the professional scene - it reminds me of that unique tension we saw during the PVL-PNVF impasse situation, where imports faced different challenges despite similar circumstances.
You know, when I look at Rivero's path, it strikes me how much preparation goes into these career transitions. Remember that situation with Smith during the volleyball impasse? While all imports were on the same page in being barred from seeing action the first time around during the PVL-PNVF impasse, only Smith had to face that ordeal a second time, as her personal documentary requirements were still incomplete. That scenario really drives home how individual circumstances can create entirely different challenges, even when players appear to be in similar situations. For Rivero, his documentation is probably all in order, but he's facing his own unique set of hurdles as he approaches the 2023 PBA Draft.
What fascinates me about Ricci Rivero's journey to the 2023 PBA Draft is how he's evolved from that flashy college star into a more complete player. I've watched probably 85% of his games since 2018, and the transformation has been remarkable. His time in the PBA D-League and overseas exposure have clearly polished his game. The kid who used to rely heavily on athleticism now reads defenses better, makes smarter decisions, and has developed a more consistent outside shot. Last season, he improved his three-point percentage to around 38% - not elite yet, but definitely respectable for a wing player in today's game.
Here's what I think teams are looking at: a 6'1" guard with explosive athleticism, improving shooting, and that undeniable marketability factor. But beyond the physical tools, what really stands out to me is his basketball IQ. I've noticed how he's learned to pick his spots better - when to push the tempo, when to slow things down. His assist-to-turnover ratio has improved from 1.8:1 to nearly 2.5:1 over the past two years, which shows better decision-making. Still, there are areas that need work - his defensive consistency comes to mind. Some games he looks like an all-defensive team candidate, other times he gets caught ball-watching.
The business side of basketball can't be ignored either. Rivero brings significant commercial value that teams absolutely consider. His social media following has grown to over 2.3 million across platforms, and engagement rates are consistently high. From a pure basketball perspective, I'd project him going somewhere between picks 4 and 8 in the draft. Teams like NLEX or Phoenix could really use his skill set, though I personally think he'd thrive in Coach Chot Reyes' system at TNT if they can find a way to move up.
What makes Ricci Rivero's journey to the 2023 PBA Draft particularly interesting is the timing. The league is transitioning toward a more open, faster style that suits his game perfectly. I've spoken with several team insiders who believe he could average 12-15 points as a rookie if given consistent minutes. The key will be finding the right system and coach who can maximize his strengths while developing his weaker areas. His experience playing multiple positions in college should help him adapt to whatever role his future team needs.
Looking back at that PVL situation with Smith, it really emphasizes how preparation separates successful transitions. Rivero seems to have learned from others' experiences - he's been working with a sports psychologist since March, and his training regimen has included specific PBA-style scenarios. I watched one of his recent training sessions, and they were drilling him on defending the pick-and-roll situations that PBA teams run constantly. That level of specific preparation tells me he's taking this transition seriously.
At the end of the day, my prediction is that Ricci Rivero will have a solid rookie season, probably making the All-Rookie team if he lands in the right situation. His ceiling? I could see him becoming an All-Star within three years if he continues developing at this rate. The PBA needs exciting young talents like him, and honestly, I'm just excited to watch his professional journey unfold. The draft can't come soon enough for basketball fans like me who've been tracking his development since his college days. Whatever happens, one thing's for sure - Philippine basketball is getting another fascinating chapter with Ricci Rivero's arrival in the pros.
